Dance is my soul’s peace, and the stage is my first love

From Rajshahi to international stages, Nikki Ahmed has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s most passionate and promising dance artists and models. Her journey reflects resilience, creativity, and an unshakable love for performing arts. In this conversation, she opens up about her artistic beginnings, personal struggles, and her vision for the future of dance in Bangladesh.

The Daily Tribunal: How did your journey as an artist begin? How did your passion for dance and modeling develop?
Nikki Ahmed: I began taking dance lessons at a very young age under Saiful Islam Rana at Rajshahi Shilpakala Academy. The seed of my dream was planted by my mother—she wanted me to become a renowned dancer of Bangladesh. Over time, that dream became my own. Now, dance isn’t just a profession for me—it’s my identity. I’m constantly learning and want to stay alive in people’s hearts through creativity.

The Daily Tribunal: Growing up in Rajshahi, how did that environment shape you as an artist?
Nikki Ahmed: Moving from Rajshahi to Dhaka wasn’t easy. It was full of challenges, but honestly, I enjoyed every moment of it. The uncertainty, the excitement—it was a kind of sweet pain that motivated me. In the beginning, I faced criticism from relatives and neighbors; they felt ashamed to say I wanted to become a dancer. But now they’re proud. InshaAllah, I’ll achieve even more to completely break their old misconceptions.

The Daily Tribunal: Many people still don’t see dance as a real profession. How did your family and society react at first?
Nikki Ahmed: Fortunately, I didn’t face any restrictions from my family because my father was a singer. We were always an artistic family. However, the financial side was tough. In the early days, stage shows didn’t pay much, and there were times I thought of quitting. But I couldn’t—because I knew nothing else and didn’t want to do anything else. Today, Alhamdulillah, I’ve built an international identity through dance, and all that struggle feels worth it.

The Daily Tribunal: As a dancer and model, how do you define your true self?
Nikki Ahmed: I truly feel myself when I’m on stage. There’s a strange energy, a happiness that I don’t find anywhere else. For me, identity means soul—and my soul finds peace when the audience claps, cheers, and appreciates my performance.

The Daily Tribunal: How has art changed you—your personality, your thoughts, or your outlook on life?
Nikki Ahmed: Dance has taught me everything—from communication and confidence to balancing personal and professional life. I’ve faced jealousy and criticism, but also love and admiration. Performing abroad was another battle—sometimes I wasn’t treated with the same respect as others. But I proved myself through my work, and that journey of constant learning has shaped who I am today.

The Daily Tribunal: You once said, “I love creating something new.” How do you bring that sense of innovation into your work?
Nikki Ahmed: New ideas come from freedom. When I feel mentally free, creativity flows naturally. I’ve always loved challenges; maybe that’s why newness comes so effortlessly to me.

The Daily Tribunal: Tell us about your experience working at Bimurt Cultural Academy.
Nikki Ahmed: Bimurt is one of the most respected institutions in Rajshahi. I worked there as a dance instructor for about four years. Those years built my confidence—I learned to take responsibility and trust my abilities. Later, when opportunities came from Kolkata, I decided to move to Dhaka with bigger dreams.

The Daily Tribunal: You love shooting in new locations. Is there a special reason behind that?
Nikki Ahmed: I’ve always loved traveling. Whenever I see a beautiful location, I imagine how it would look on camera. That’s how my photoshoots are born—and my fans love them. Honestly, I enjoy collecting beautiful photos; it’s a part of my artistic expression.

The Daily Tribunal: Between stage performance and photoshoots, which one feels more ‘you’?
Nikki Ahmed: Photoshoots can be a bit artificial—there’s makeup, lights, and filters. But the stage doesn’t let you hide. It’s raw, it’s real. The stage is my comfort zone and my first love. If I ever had to choose, I could live without photoshoots, but not without the stage. Without it, I’d fall sick.

The Daily Tribunal: The modeling world is highly competitive. How do you make yourself stand out?
Nikki Ahmed: I don’t follow any secret formula. I prepare myself in my own way—staying happy, sleeping well, and thinking positively. These keep my mind and skin healthy. Maybe that’s what makes me a bit different from others.

The Daily Tribunal: As a woman working in a field often judged by society, how do you stay mentally strong?
Nikki Ahmed: I faced criticism from relatives and neighbors since childhood, but that only made me stronger. Many of those who once mocked me now feel proud. I learned that you can succeed without paying attention to negativity. My mother’s support and my inner willpower have been my biggest shields.

The Daily Tribunal: What’s your message to the young generation who want to pursue a career in dance or modeling?
Nikki Ahmed: Keep learning. Never compare your progress with others. Someone else’s success or failure shouldn’t distract you from your own path. Consistency and patience are the real keys to success.

The Daily Tribunal: You said, “I want to learn new things and give them to Bangladesh.” Can you explain that?
Nikki Ahmed: Society still looks down on dance in many ways. I want to change that mindset by introducing new styles and presentations. I’m blending our traditional dance with modern concepts—like remix performances. That’s why I’m currently training in belly dance in Mumbai and Bangkok. I believe people will welcome this evolution soon.

The Daily Tribunal: Any plans to step into films?
Nikki Ahmed: Yes, but only through dance. I’ve already done two item songs in movies and several music videos. In the future, I’d love to do dance-based films or elegant item performances that add artistic value.

The Daily Tribunal: What’s your ultimate goal—as an artist or beyond art?
Nikki Ahmed: My first goal is to make the world recognize Bangladesh through my dance. I’ve already represented my country in 13 countries and brought home awards. Beyond art, I want to be a successful entrepreneur—but always through honest, halal work.

The Daily Tribunal: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
Nikki Ahmed: I want people to know me the way they know Shakira. That’s the dream I’m chasing.

Nikki Ahmed’s story is one of persistence, passion, and pride. Her voice carries a powerful message—that no matter where you come from, with talent, discipline, and courage, you can dance your way onto any stage in the world.